scribbles
G.O.G Community Member
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I rode this morning in the arena. I have been really concentrating on putting Brenda's training tips to work lately. I have Luke in the ICG bit, but he gets real frustrated with two handed riding so I use romel reins and one hand. We had been working the walk for over a week and it was getting... um... kinda ho-hum... sorry Brenda!b1 But we kept working the walk boring or no and TODAY, he started gaiting again, not just a few steps but all the way around the arena. He was walking with impulsion, not just sauntering around the rail like he used to. And he was gaiting relaxed in body, head bent with the bit on a slightly loose rein. I think he was racking, not a lot of overstride in his hind legs but was swinging forward with the front... it was lateral but defintitely not a pace, no side-to-side just up and down. Maybe foxtrotting also but I am not sure. His head was very slightly going 10 o'clock, 2 o'clock, but it was a definite diagonal gait, very slow. It's a start, and it was a huge rush to see Brenda's techniques paying off. Now I am excited about working the walk.
I was so happy with his arena work (which he doesn't really like to do) that I took him for a brief ride down the street for the first time. I was very nervous and was expecting spooks or at least reluctance (he can be very insecure) but he stepped out quietly with some confident leg squeezing. We only went a couple of hundred yards, but two big stock trailers roared past with little effect. When we turned around to head home he did not want to go back, and slowly did as I asked. Wow! A horse that likes to see new things! I am SO happy right now.
Also, note to Brenda and Whattarack- Luke really likes his new bit, and I can tell a huge difference in how relaxed he is now that I have stopped using the three-piece shanked snaffle. You said it would make a difference and it really has! It just took a few days of getting used to. I am a big believer now.
My new mantra- WORK THAT WALK!
I hope everyone else had good rides today, too.
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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of the tick, I shall fear no insect; for OFF is with me.
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